I was pole-spearing in Okinawa 2 months ago. Didn't have any issues at all with the locals. Maybe it's the spot you went to?

I was diving mainly on the west coast early in the morning around 7am. Managed to catch some decent sized horse eye trevally's.

Let me know next time you head to Okinawa, I can point you in the right direction

I heard it from a few locals out on Miyako-jima though they didn't seem to be too bothered themselves... But I'll keep asking around, could be misinfo and I really hope so.
Will def let you know and connect next time I have a chance to go, thanks for that!. Did see one very nice blue-finned jack in a fun (free)dive and tons of baby groupers, so I know the fish are there. Many big parrotfish and surgeons, too.

Rest Hook Attachment Point
As mentioned I don't feel like having a loop of dyneema as the attachment point for the rest hook is the best solution. The dyneema tends to flop around when you try to hook into it and you end up needing to use your forward hand to hold it in place. Might not sound like a big deal, but it is a tad frustrating.
I think a metal loop which is fixed in place is a much better way to do it.

So, here are some pics of my attempt at making such one. Same brand as the wall hooks which I used for the rest hook, just a smaller size this time:

I used an angle grinder to cut it to length and make some undercuts in the sides, a file to shape it a bit better and finally, a dremel tool to soften the edges. Pretty straight forward:

Here is one loop fixed on the pole with super glue (I think it looks bigger than it really is):

I'm waiting for some thin dyneema to arrive in the mail. Once I have that, I'll wrap the metal loop in place and coat it with epoxy like when fishing rod builders attach eyelets.

Of course, the fancy way of doing these would be to draw them up and have them laser cut in 2mm stainless steel, but these will suffice for now.
Alternatively, if you are lucky that the grip point on the spear when loaded lines up near one of the metal connectors, then you could mill a recess into the connector and hook into that instead. I have seen that solution on a few Japanese spears online.

The dyneema came in today. I ordered 0.5mm and 0.8mm and went with the latter. Made the wrap and coated with epoxy. Below is a pic during its curing.

If I ever need to do a lot of these I would def rig up a rotisserie like the ones the rod builders have. That way, you can lay on more epoxy and not have to worry about it running. Instead, I just turned it every few mins by hand for two hours while I was watching Netflix;-)

Nice work there Gecko... U sure do set the bar high with your diy projects... Kudos man...

Sent from my BLU DASH M using Tapatalk

Thanks man!
It's basically just a combination of having too much time on my hands (I am a freelancer in a market with not enough work...), having a nerdy side and luckily access to cheap parts and even cheaper favors:-)

And then, of course, being able to tap into forums like these for advice and knowledge.

I've been landlocked for months now, though. But I do think I might have Indo and Palau trips around the end of the year so hopefully the spear will see water and fish for real.

Thanks man!
It's basically just a combination of having too much time on my hands (I am a freelancer in a market with not enough work...), having a nerdy side and luckily access to cheap parts and even cheaper favors:-)

Lucky you... I remember those days not too long ago when i had all the time too tinker... Then came my son and a new job... Life... But i still get a chance now n then...
Trying to work on a proper pole myself for my night dives... Made a cheapo with a curtain rod an eye bolt, hex nuts, jb weld and an old spear shaft. Does the job for close up in the shallows but i need something proper for free swimming fish like cuda, trevally, snapper....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diving Gecko

And then, of course, being able to tap into forums like these for advice and knowledge.

Spearboard is a University... We have professors for every subject... Ive learned so much on here... Bunch of great guys on here too... Glad to be a part of the community...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diving Gecko

I've been landlocked for months now, though. But I do think I might have Indo and Palau trips around the end of the year so hopefully the spear will see water and fish for real.

Golf club (driver) tubes will work, as well as ski poles. My first polespear was made by epoxying 3-4 golf clubs together and then epoxying a 6mm adapter to the tip. Took many fish under 10lbs with it, but ended up snapping it when I overpowered it without twisting the handle.

It was 9ft before a 12" tip, and was my go to for reef diving in 20+ft visibility.

I'm working on a series at the moment of different pole spear builds. Hopefully this helps you: